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Many plans do cover medical expenses outside the US. Typically you have to pay the bill yourself and then submit the detailed reciept to your plan and they will give you the usual out of network amount (my plan pays 80% of usual and customary).

If you belong to a strict HMO - or some other plan that doesn't pay outside the US - but check first - then it's always wise to have medical coverage as part of your travel insurance.

Also note that Medicare does not pay outside the US in which case your secondary insurance (AARP or whatever) might become your primary insurance - again, check on how it works for your specific plan.